Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Budget Brides: Vintage Glamour and Romance doesn't have to break the bank....

I love twitter. I end up on such random websites, but for a change, it really paid off tonight! 

I came across this shop on Etsy. I was really shocked to see the prices of some of these exquisite pieces of jewellery. 

Prices stated are approximate as the original price is in dollars.

I don't think words are even needed to be honest, just look....


Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £50.94.



Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £41.39.



Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £35.02.




Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £30.56.



Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £105.06
I saw something in a bride shop similar to the above necklace and it was nearly £400, so you know £100 does not seem that much in comparison!




Source: Treasures570 on Etsy.
Approximately £26.55

Source: Livelovebead on Etsy.
Approximately £26.55


Source: Clairesparklesbridal on Etsy.
Approximately £43.93



Source: LuluSplendor on Etsy.
Approximately £56.67


Monday, 22 October 2012

Hairstyles: Medium-Long - The half up half down do

Here are some lovely pictures that I had saved to my computer, very inspiring!

























Tuesday, 16 October 2012

My Engagement Ring

So between all of the Wedding excitement, I have completely forgot to mention my engagement ring. Had you of known me, you probably would have been shown it by now :)

Here are the pics, it's so purdy :)



And, really weirdly, it is exactly the same sort of thing I would have picked myself. It has beautiful diamonds up each side, it is quite hard to make out from the pictures. It sparkles lots too! My fiancĂ© is amazing :) I can't wait to marry him! Eeep! :)





Sunday, 14 October 2012

Review: Thea Skin Care

So, as I have been telling you I am going to be reviewing products to find which ones are the best so that I:

1) Will be able to find the perfect products for my own Wedding;

and

2) Will be able to provide opinions and reviews on them so you can have them too for yours.

(You can thank me when you are glowing from head to toe :))

So, the main things that appeal to me for a skin care range to adopt is that the product(s) is/are organic and that it hasn't been tested on animals. 

I give you:


Not only are these products amazing for your skin but no doggies/rats/monkeys were harmed during the making of these products. 

The back story to the lady behind these products is one to be read, especially the truly 'inspiring moments' that she had whilst in Africa that inspired her to develop the Thea Skin Care range and create her brand. Have a read about Althea here but I recommend getting in touch with her to read her full back story.


So, lets get to the juicy stuff - on to the review...





The Thea Skin Care range caters for all skin types, according to their website. If you click on the website you will see the many ranges on offer to suit all skin types.

But, if you are like me and my skin, you might not really know what skin type category you fall under. Hail their website that helps you to identify what skin type you are and offers advice! We are not skin anomalies anymore! My skin really does depend on many factors; wind volume (chapped cheeks), heat, cold, time  of the month - you name it. It goes from oily to dry to smooth to flushed! So having a skin care range that caters for all skin types is a real bonus with me - I give you the Normal / Combination skin care range!

I've been testing the products I was sent by Althea for about 4 weeks now.

Here are the reviews for the products I have tested extensively from the Thea Skin Care Range:


Fruit & Spice Purifying Body Scrub



The answer to acne or problematic skin on the body lies in this unique blend of nature’s greatest skin-balancing ingredients. A revolutionary organic acne treatment product and natural anti-acne body scrub which feeds skin with nutrients and moisture whilst exfoliating, purifying and toning.

The result: radiant, smooth, hydrated and balanced skin.

Application: Every other day. Gently massage into wet skin on the body in a circular motion, paying special attention to rough areas. Rinse thoroughly & pat dry. Great for the body, not suitable for the face.



Key ingredients
100% Natural
  • Sea Salt crystals – mild & natural exfoliator which brightens the skin.
  • Jojoba Oil – highly nutritious moisturiser which encourages skin to balance itself & stop over-producing oil.
  • Neem Oil – antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and very hydrating.
  • Turmeric Root Powder – anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial antioxidant. Heals, purifies & brightens problematic or oily skin.
  • Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil – antiseptic which detoxifies & tones.
  • Yellow Mustard Powder – increases circulation & opens pores to naturally cleanse and draw out toxins.
  • Rosemary - antioxidant improves circulation & eases fluid retention.
  • Vitamin E – one of the best oily skin care vitamins. Protects, repairs and feeds skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.

My Comments:



Texture  

Smell

Value For Money  

Product Satisfaction  
   
"I am not normally a fan of 'body scrub' products as I find that the texture can be quite rough sometimes on my skin and it doesn't make for a pleasant experience. However, I found that using this Fruit & Spice Scrub wasn't anything like what I have tried before. It does not scratch the skin at all but at the same time it does feel like you are having a 'good scrub'. After each application the product left my skin feeling smooth and soft. I even used the product after shaving, which some products might sting the skin afterward, this one didn't at all! Bonus! 

The only criticism I have, if you can call it that, is that if you use it for your whole body like I did in the shower then it doesn't last very long. However, if you have trouble with acne on particular areas of your body this product would be ideal for that, as it has properties within the ingredients that Althea states "ideal for acne and skin problems". I was sent a much smaller pot than the one you see above as a sample so I imagine that the pot that is advertised will last much longer than what mine did.

The smell is gorgeous. It is fruity, zesty and honestly smells good enough to eat. It has a tropical/pineapple type smell to it, which I know sounds bizarre when you see the ingredients! My fiance commented on the smell when I had come out of the shower and said it was really nice, now normally he doesn't notice smells too much!" 





Face Renew System (Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Creme Cleanser).


Theaskincare.com's Description:



The deepest natural cleanse possible. This amazing organic skin brightening fruit-based Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHA's) cleanser feeds water beyond the surface of the skin, facilitating the highly efficient removal of dirt and impurities and deeply hydrates and purifies the complexion for natural even-tone skin.

The result: deeply cleansed, fresh and hydrated skin with a dewy glow and even skin tone.

Application: Every morning & night Gently rub onto a dry face using upward, circular motions. Wipe clean with a dampened organic muslin cloth or cotton wool pad. Follow with Fruit Enzyme  Rejuvenating Toner.

Please note: Skin may be more sensitive to the sun for a week after application.
Perfect CompanionFruit Enzyme Rejuvenating Toner

Key ingredients
84% Organic, 100% Natural
  • Organic Aloe Juice – attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.
  • Organic Palm & Apricot Oils – light emollients containing essential fatty acids.
  • Organic Green Tea – powerful antioxidant slows down the aging process by purifying & regenerating the skin.
  • Organic Sugar Cane – natural amino acid adjusts pH & improves blood flow.
  • Organic Shea & Mango Butter – intensely moisturising, hydrating & nutritious.
  • Organic Bilberry, Orange, Lemon & Cranberry Extracts – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial antioxidants deeply cleanse, soothe & smooth.
  • Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime & Sweet Orange Essential Oils – rejuvenate & plump the skin, reducing water loss. Balance sebum levels.
  • Vitamin E – one of the best anti-aging vitamins. Protects, repairs & feeds mature skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.

My Comments:



Texture  

Smell

Value For Money  

Product Satisfaction  
   



"It is important to me for a cleanser to do just that - cleanse my skin. I like to feel refreshed and clean after I have used a good cleanser and Thea Skincare's Face Renew System Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme  Creme Cleanser does just that.

I enjoyed applying this product to my skin every day for the past four weeks because of the amazing feeling it gives your skin afterward. After an application I find it gives you a slight tingling sensation (but in a good way) as though every pore on your face is opening up and letting all of the badness out of your skin. I can't explain it, is a good and pleasant sensation though, it really does ensnare your senses!

And the smell, oh my goodness. It is so fruity that even for such a tiny pot (that I was sent) the smell is almost like you have just cut open a lemon and squeezed the juice right on to your skin. You can also smell hints of lime, orange and the familiar Aloe smell. 

The product is very thick in consistency which I am not used to as I normally use very watery kind of cleansers, however, I actually found it a lot easier to apply than my other cleansers. I found that the consistency actually goes quite far and is easy to spread across my skin, it wasn't as easy to apply as the moisturiser however (see the moisturiser review below).

After each application it made me feel like my skin was literally glowing so the name 'Skin Brightening' certainly rings true to me. I highly recommend this product." 





Renew, lift & smooth your facial skin with a natural organic skin brightening face exfoliator with natural, fruit-based Alpha Hydroxy system which gently exfoliates the dull surface layer of the skin, unblocks pores and regenerates new cell growth for a brighter, plumper complexion.

The result: The appearance of wrinkles and sagging is notably reduced and skin texture is exceptionally smooth and more supple even-tone skin.

Application: Apply once a week. Gently rub onto a dry face using upward, circular motions. Wipe clean with a soft, dampened organic cloth & then rinse with warm water. Follow with Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Moisturiser.

Please note: skin may be more sensitive to the sun for a week after application.

Perfect CompanionFruit Enzyme Creme Moisturiser


Key ingredients
83% Organic, 100% Natural
  • Organic Aloe Juice – attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.
  • Organic Palm & Apricot Oils – light emollients containing essential fatty acids.
  • Organic Green Tea – powerful antioxidant slows down the aging process by purifying & regenerating the skin.
  • Organic Jojoba Beads - pure, spherical wax beads for the most gentle exfoliation.
  • Organic Shea & Mango Butter – intensely moisturising, hydrating & nutritious.
  • Organic Bilberry, Orange, Lemon & Cranberry Extracts – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial antioxidants soothe, protect & clean pores.
  • Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime & Sweet Orange Essential Oils – rejuvenate & plump the skin, reducing water loss. Balance sebum levels.
  • Vitamin E – one of the best anti-aging vitamins. Protects, repairs & feeds mature skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.


My Comments:


Texture  

Smell

Value For Money  

Product Satisfaction  


"I was pleasantly surprised when I tested this product to find that the exfoliator wasn't a sandy-type texture. In fact, it was more like the moisturiser's texture (see review below). Although it lacked the sandy-type texture which you would normally associate with an exfoliation creme, this particular product still delivered on the exfoliation sensation you often experience after applying such textures to your skin. It is smooth and smells divine. It does everything that you would expect from an exfoliator and more. The end results are obvious and leave your skin feeling vibrant, refreshed and ready for all weather!"






Theaskincare.com's Description:

Plump,deeply moisturise and brighten your skin with the added benefit of highly nutritious natural and organic skin brightening fruit enzymes which deeply penetrate the surface of the skin, drawing in maximum moisture and nutrients whilst minimising wrinkles and banishing dead skin cells to producing clear even tone skin.
  • Organic Aloe Juice – attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.
  • Organic Palm, Neem & Apricot Oils – deeply penetrating moisturising oils containing essential fatty acids – easily absorbed.
  • Organic Shea & Mango Butter – intensely moisturising, hydrating & nutritious.
  • Seaweed Extract – detoxifies, nourishes & increases blood flow.
  • Organic Green Tea – powerful antioxidant slows down the aging process by purifying & regenerating the skin.
  • Organic Bilberry, Orange, Lemon & Cranberry Extracts – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial antioxidants soothe, protect & add nutrients.
  • Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Litsea & Mandarin Essential Oils – rejuvenate & plump the skin, reducing water loss. Balance sebum levels.
  • Vitamin E – one of the best anti-aging vitamins. Protects, repairs & feeds mature skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.


The result: soft, smooth, intensely moisturised skin with a dewy tone, increased elasticity and a firmer, plumper appearance.

Application: Every morning & night after cleansing & toning. Gently rub all over the face & neck using upwards, circular motions.

Please note: skin may be more sensitive to the sun for a week after application.




Key ingredients
85% Organic, 100% Natural





  • Organic Aloe Juice – attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.
  • Organic Palm, Neem & Apricot Oils – deeply penetrating moisturising oils containing essential fatty acids – easily absorbed.
  • Organic Shea & Mango Butter – intensely moisturising, hydrating & nutritious.
  • Seaweed Extract – detoxifies, nourishes & increases blood flow.
  • Organic Green Tea – powerful antioxidant slows down the aging process by purifying & regenerating the skin.
  • Organic Bilberry, Orange, Lemon & Cranberry Extracts – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial antioxidants soothe, protect & add nutrients.
  • Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Litsea & Mandarin Essential Oils – rejuvenate & plump the skin, reducing water loss. Balance sebum levels.
  • Vitamin E – one of the best anti-aging vitamins. Protects, repairs & feeds mature skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.



My Comments:




Texture  

Smell

Value For Money  

Product Satisfaction  


"One of the few products I have tried in my life time that has delivered on all counts for smell, consistency and value for money, the other was herbal essences shampoo for obvious reasons, in case you were wondering.

It smells buttery and creamy but at the same time fruity and zesty. It really does feel like a luxury product you are using. All of the ingredients described above feel like they are embedding their richness and nutrients into every pore of your skin. It does not leave your skin feeling oily or when it sinks into your skin, dry after a few hours. It has a watery sort of texture but at the same time is substantially thick in consistency. It applies easily and although is thick in consistency it spreads easily over your skin so you find you do not have to use lashings of it like you do some other moisturisers. A small blob goes very far which even if applied generously, will spread over your entire face. I particularly like this factor in a product, I like to be able to feel like I am getting the most out of my money, I am a hard customer to please at times! But this product delivers on all counts that I find important in a moisturiser.


To summarise, I am a Thea Skin Care range fan and highly recommend the product range that I have tested.

I particularly like that they are/have;



  • Cruelty free;
  • Pure, organic ingredients;
  • Luxury and high quality ingredients used;
  • Consistency of the products;
  • Long-lasting;
  • Customer-focused;
  • Good value for money;
  • Every ingredient in this product has an explanation to why it was added and for what benefit to the customer;
  • And the story behind the Thea Skin Care brand.



So if you are looking for an amazing skin care range to cater specifically to your particular skin type  and which is worth every penny, choose Thea Skin Care Range.